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Holter and Event Monitoring
Recording an Irregular Heartbeat
What are Holter and Event Monitoring?
Holter and event monitoring are two painless ways to record your
heartbeat away form the doctor's office. Each one is a small
electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. They record your
heartbeat for your doctor to review at a later time. The Holter
records your heartbeat nonstop for at least 24 hours. The event monitor
lets you record your irregular heartbeat as you feel it. You simply
press a button. You may carry this monitor for days or weeks. You can
receive your heart monitor in a hospital, test center, or doctor's
office.
Your Holter Monitor
When you receive a Holter monitor, small, painless pads (electrodes) are
put on your chest. These connect to the lightweight unit, which attaches
to a belt or shoulder strap. You need to keep the device on for at least
24 hours and complete a diary.
While wearing the monitor follow these tips:
Try to sleep on your back.
Don't take a shower. A sponge bath is OK.
Follow your normal routine. Don't avoid stress, work, or exercise.
If an electrode falls off or the unit makes noise, call to be see
what you should do.
* You'll be shown how to use your Holter monitor.
* Be sure to keep a diary while wearing a monitor.
Your Event Monitor
After you are shown how to use your event monitor, carry it with you
at all times. When you feel a symptom, activate the monitor by pressing
a button (wristwatch style) or holding it to our chest (small box or
credit card style). Be sure to keep a diary.
When Using a Monitor:
Stay away from electric blankets, magnets, metal detectors, and
high-voltage areas such as power lines. They may affect the recording.
Holter Monitor
In the diary:
Write in the time of day for each entry you make
Note each change in activity, including when you take medicine.
Note any symptoms you feel.
Sample Holter Monitor Diary
Time
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Activity
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Symptom
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7:00 am
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Took medicine
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None
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7:30 am
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Ate breakfast
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None
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8:00 am
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Drove to work
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Heart beat faster
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9:00 am
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Meeting with boss
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Heart beat faster
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Note: Your diary entries will differ from the samples shown above.
Event Monitor
In the diary:
Write the date and time for each entry you make.
Note any symptoms you feel and what you are doing at that time.
Note when you take your medicine.
Sample Event Monitor Diary
Date
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Time
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Activity
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Symptom
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May 12
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8:00 am
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Got dressed
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Felt dizzy
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May 15
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9:15 am
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Drove to work
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Mild chest pains
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May 21
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5:56 pm
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Shopping
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Felt Dizzy
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Note: Your diary entries will differ from the samples shown above.
Your Test Results
You will be told how to return the monitor and data. A computer is
usually used to analyze the data. Then a report is prepared for your
doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
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